MLB Trade Ideas: Aramis Ramirez and 10 Former All-Stars Who Could Move

Just one week into the Major League Baseball regular season, we are already looking at All-Star players who could be on the move in 2011. Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez is just one of many of the game's greatest players that can become free agents or opt out of deals at the end of the season.

It may be a stretch to believe that players that currently find themselves in great situations like CC Sabathia, Jimmy Rollins, Jonathan Papelbon Brad Lidge, Roy Oswalt or Robinson Cano would even consider switching teams voluntarily. Each of those players is owed a lot of money for a great team this season and would be foolsih to request a trade.

However, even when you disregard the players mentioned, there are still a plethora of former All-Stars that could be on the move some time this season.

Jose Valverde: CL, Detroit Tigers

In just the last four seasons, Valverde has split time with Arizona, Houston and Detroit, but over that time he has proven himself to be one of the better closers in all of baseball.

Detroit is optimistic its about young relievers Joaquin Benoit and Daniel Schlereth and may be looking to deal Valverde if they fall out of contention.

Valverde had 47 saves and an ERA of 2.66 with Arizona in 2007, but he was immediately traded to Houston at the end of the season. He has continued to pitch very well since, including last season when he had an ERA of 3.00 with 26 saves in 29

Valverde is owed $7 million this season with has an option in 2012 worth $9 million, which is not unreasonable by any means for a closer of his caliber. However, Detroit has several young, talented pitchers in the bullpen, including Joaquin Benoit and Daniel Schlereth and they may decide to trade Valverde by the end of the season if they fall out of contention.

Mark Beuhrle: SP, Chicago White Sox

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A fan favorite in Chicago, Buehrle has been one of the most reliable starting pitchers over the last decade, but he could be dealt by the end of the season.

Beuhrle has won at least ten games in each of the last ten seasons, while averaging an impressive 221 innings per season over that span. He has excellent control on the mound, having never walked more than 61 batters in a season and has never been placed on the disabled list in his career.

However, as consistently solid as Beuhrle has been, he has been far from dominating over the last two seasons. Since the start of 2009, Beuhrle is a rather mediocre 27-23 with an ERA over 4.00. He also gave up a league-high 246 hits last season in 210 innings.

Beurhle, who has a no-trade clause in his contract, is owed $14 million this season and has a 2012 option worth $15 million.

While it may be far fetched, Buehrle may exercise his no-trade clause if things turn sour in Chicago in order to play for a contender.

Chris Carpenter: SP, St. Louis Cardinals

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Since signing with St. Louis in 2003, Chris Carpenter has been one of the top pitchers in all of baseball.

A Cy Young winner in 2005, Carpenter has gone an incredible 84-33 in his career with the Cardinals, including an ERA under 3.00. He had Tommy John Surgery in 2007, which kept him out for nearly two full seasons, but has bounced back to have back to back great seasons since.

Carpenter is owed $15 million this season and has a 2012 option worth $15 million.

St. Louis has a lot of tough decisions to make, especially with the recent news that Adam Wainright’s elbow will require Tommy John Surgery. If the Cardinals fall out of contention, don’t be surprised if Carpenter waives his no trade clause and switches teams.

Prince Fielder: 1B, Milwaukee Brewers

Fielder may not even be the best first baseman in his own division, but he certainly has the ability to torment opposing pitchers.

He has averaged over 40 home runs and 111 RBI per season since the start of 2007. He also has the ability to get on base consistently, having walked 224 times over the last two seasons.

Still just 26-years-old, Fielder is owed $15.5 million in 2010, but he is set to be a free agent after the season.

The Milwaukee Brewers, who were just 77-85 last season, appear to have an improved team this season, with the acquisitions of starting pitchers Zack Greinke and Shawn Marcum. However, if they get off to another bad start in 2011, Fielder will be a hot commodity and could end up in a different uniform.

Albert Pujols: 1B, St. Louis Cardinals

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Pujols is widely regarded as the best active hitter in the game, but he is set to be a free agent after the season and could switch teams before that.

Still very much in his prime, Pujols, who turned 31 years old in January, is a three-time MVP and has been in the top ten in MVP voting every single year. He has hit at least .300 with 30 home runs and 100 RBI in all ten of his big league seasons.

As shocking as it would be if Pujols was traded, it could be a smart business move for St. Louis.

St. Louis is unlikely to pay Pujols the $300 million over ten years that it would likely require in order to keep him. And if they trade Pujols, they could get several talented players in return for a few months less of his service.

Also relevant, besides Chris Carpenter, who can waive his no-trade clause after this season, starting pitcher Adam Wainright, who likely won't pitch until at least the spring training of 2012, can opt out of his contract after next season.

Thus, St. Louis may want to rebuild in order to save a ton of money, beginning with letting go Pujols.